Gene structure, chromosomal localization, cDNA cloning and expression of the mouse ATP-gated ionotropic receptor P2X5 subunit

The P2X receptors are oligomeric ligand-gated ion channels operated by extr acellular ATP. Here we report the genomic and cDNA sequence of the mouse P2 X(5) subunit, as well as its genomic organization, chromosomal localization and expression in select tissues. The mouse gene spans approximately 13 kb of DNA and contains thirteen exons. The cDNA encodes a 455 amino acid prot ein with 95% identity to the rat subunit. The P2X(5) subunit gene encodes 2 .6 kb mRNA that was found to in a number of tissues, with highest levels de tected in heart and kidney. Results from rapid amplification of cDNA ends ( RACE) PCR suggest that there are multiple transcriptional start sites locat ed approximately 30-70 bp upstream from the start codon. The gene was local ized to band B5 on Chromosome ii using fluorescence insitu hybridization (F ISH), a region that has a high degree of synteny with human Chromosome 17. These results provide the initial information useful for further investigat ion into the functional role(s) of the P2X, subunit in physiological proces ses. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.